when i have an assignment due
my mind buckles down
not to complete it but rather create
in overdrive inspiration hits
for the wrong subject
yield to procrastination
imagination lies in rejection
i have a textbook to read
but i keep coming back here instead

walk into the library
stacks of books are the same
but this afternoon it’s crowded
knot of unease try to find quiet
tiptoe up steps peek through doors
faces laughing unnerved to walk in
push past it cringe at the creak of
entrance group eyes ignored –
I can’t explain it
I walk and talk like them
but my mental label persists
pariah